DHAKA : Bangladesh and Russia are working to substantially
expand manpower cooperation, with Dhaka proposing an increase in the number of
Bangladeshi workers in Russia from the current nearly 10,000 to 100,000 within
the next year, reports UNB.
Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman made the proposal
during his ongoing three-day official visit to Russia, according to a foreign
ministry press release here this morning.
The Russian authorities agreed to work expeditiously on
the proposal, and both sides are expected to complete the necessary formalities
soon, it added.
The proposed tenfold increase in Bangladeshi manpower
exports emerged as a key outcome of the discussions between the two countries.
Besides manpower cooperation, Bangladesh and Russia agreed
that bilateral trade remains well below its potential and should be expanded
significantly.
Dr Rahman highlighted the prospects for rapidly increasing
Bangladeshi exports to the Russian market, particularly readymade garments and
pharmaceutical products.
The Russian side welcomed Bangladesh’s proposal to send a
business delegation to Russia in the coming weeks to explore new trade
opportunities and strengthen commercial ties.
Cooperation in technology, especially artificial
intelligence (AI), also featured prominently in the discussions.
The foreign minister proposed a visit by a Russian
delegation to Bangladesh to share expertise on the application of AI in
agriculture and healthcare, a proposal that received an immediate positive
response.
Russia also expressed interest in assisting Bangladesh in
formulating its national AI policy and establishing centres of excellence in
artificial intelligence.
Dr Rahman is visiting Russia from June 7 to 9 and is accompanied by Prime Minister’s Adviser on Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir.
